The Canadian government is set to end a nearly month-long postal workers’ strike that has disrupted mail delivery across the country ahead of the holidays.
Gatekeepers News reports that Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon on Friday, ordered the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to send Canada Post employees back to work if an agreement is not reached soon with their employer.
The strike, which began on November 15, involves around 55,000 postal workers who are demanding better pay and working conditions. The two sides have since failed to reach an agreement, with federal mediators concluding a few weeks ago that negotiations were too far apart.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) in a statement released, strongly condemned the government’s move, calling it an “assault on our constitutionally protected right to collectively bargain and to strike.”
Meanwhile, Canada Post is looking forward to welcoming its employees back to work and resuming services. The company in a statement, says it’s committed to reaching a negotiated agreement with the union, while also meeting the postal needs of Canadians.
The strike has had a significant impact on businesses, particularly during the peak holiday shopping season. With deliveries halted, inventory has piled up in warehouses, and shipping costs have skyrocketed. Many business owners, like Lorne James from Ontario, are worried that the strike could have devastating financial consequences.
The Canadian Industrial Relations Board is expected to rule on Minister MacKinnon’s request next week. If the order is approved, striking employees will be asked to return to work under their existing collective agreement until May 22, while negotiations continue.
The union has been trying to negotiate a wage increase of 19% over the next four years – higher than the 11.5% increase initially proposed by Canada Post. They are also negotiating issues around benefits, sick leave, job conditions, and security.
The union has said, “Our demands are reasonable: fair wages, safe working conditions, the right to retire with dignity and the expansion of services at the public post office.”
CUPW national president Jan Simpson has since accused Canada Post of slowing down the process so the federal government can intervene.
Also, Canada Post accused the union of increasing their demands instead of reaching a compromise.
